CtAudubon.org Founded in 1898, environment through science-based education
Title
Connecticut Audubon Society
Description
Connecticut Audubon Society's new Connecticut State of the Birds publication: Habitat loss threatens many species in Connecticut -- click here to learn more.
To prevent continuing human disturbance and protect the nests of Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Glossy Ibis and Little Blue Herons, the State's Department of Environmental Protection has closed Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook to the public through September 9. Please help protect these "threatened" and "special concern" species by obeying DEP's closure and all posted signs. Report any observed violations to the State DEP at 800-842-4357.
In another continuing conservation effort, DEP reminds the public to take notice of and respect the fencing and yellow warning signs that designate Piping Plover and Least Tern nesting areas. Both species -- which are state-listed as "threatened" -- create nests in the sand, and their sand-colored eggs are small and hard to distinguish. "When intruders approach, young piping plovers are likely to stand motionlessly while the adult tries to attract attention by pretending to have a broken wing or flying around the intruder. If you witness this, move away from the area at once," advises Julie Victoria, a DEP Wildlife Division biologist. "Further disturbance may cause the adults to leave the nesting area, subjecting eggs or young to possible death by exposure to the elements or by predation." (05/30/06 New Haven Register story, "2 islands again off-limits for shorebirds' nesting," by Cynthia Baran.)
